Official CDC announcements or verified public health reports

CDC Prepares for Potential H5N1 Bird Flu Risk After Detection in Dairy Cows in Nine States and Human Cases

May 25, 2024, 03:25 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing for a potential increase in human health risks from the H5N1 bird flu virus following its detection in dairy cows across nine U.S. states and confirmation of two human cases. Despite the low risk to the general public, the CDC and USDA have heightened testing protocols and monitoring efforts. The bird flu virus was found in tissue samples of a U.S. dairy cow sent to slaughter, and the virus has been detected in raw milk, which poses a risk of systemic disease if consumed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted the virus's adaptation to infect multiple mammalian species. Public health officials emphasize that the current risk remains low, but they are on high alert and preparing vaccines from the national stockpile. In Australia, 400,000 chickens have been culled to prevent the spread of bird flu. Scientists are studying the virus's mutations to understand its pandemic potential. The two human cases, one in Texas and one in Michigan, had pinkeye as a symptom and represent the third-ever H5N1 infection in the U.S.